It’s almost 2026, and while we’re looking forward to all the new additions and excitement on the way for the new year, we also have to be honest and admit that there ARE some things we’d love to see changed in the parks this upcoming year.
Hollywood Studios Entrance
It goes without saying that in 2026, we’d love for Disney to change the annual price increases that consistently happen and kick us in the butt each year, but let’s be honest, we don’t necessarily foresee that happening. So here are the other things we’re REALLY hoping Disney changes in 2026 that perhaps are a little more realistic (although Disney, if you’re listening, PLEASE pause the price increases and prove us wrong).
No More Pushed Opening Dates
While our team is a little divided on whether or not we’re excited about the new Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, we’re ALL in agreement that if Disney pushes this reopening timeline, we’ll be mad.
©Disney
Here’s the thing — while we don’t know exactly when the current version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is set to close in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney has confirmed that the ride will be open through 2025. That’s fantastic for those who have trips this year and don’t want to miss out on saying farewell to the attraction. But when we realize that Disney ALSO told us that the new version of the ride will be opening in Summer 2026…that is NOT a lot of time.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
This is especially true considering the fact that it’s not only the exterior of the ride being refurbished, it’s the ENTIRE inside too. The theming is totally changing from Aerosmith to the Muppets, and we know a new animatronic is on the way (Disney even teased there may be MORE than one). While we don’t know how much the ride’s interior design is set to change (since most of it is just signage taking you to the concert, it’s possible it COULD stay mostly the same). Bottom line, will Disney ACTUALLY be able to meet this deadline?
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets ©Disney
We won’t know until we get there, but we’ll admit that we’re just as annoyed as you all are when you plan a trip around a rough opening timeline or date of an attraction/show, only to see it get pushed. For locals, it’s not as big a deal, but for those who travel in, even if it’s just from a nearby state like Georgia (it’s me, I’m the one who travels from Georgia). That’s a lot of planning that gets shifted around and may not be easy to rebook. We’ve seen Disney push opening dates frequently, especially just recently with the Disney Adventure cruise ship, so we’re crossing our fingers that won’t be the case here.
Disney Teases NEW Addition Coming to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in 2026
More Roaming Characters
One of the aspects we always love about Disneyland is just how many roaming characters you can often find around the park, especially in Fantasyland! Disney World has started to follow this a bit, as we’ve recently seen Captain Hook and Smee, Peter Pan and Wendy, as well as a few more surprising characters walking around. And while we love it, we have to say now that we totally think there could be more.
Captain Hook and Smee roaming!
With all the construction happening in Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom right now, we think the least Disney could add is some more roaming characters to entertain guests. In either park, we’d love to see some more roaming Villains, to get excitement up for the new Villains Land, as well as encourage people to go see Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Or, perhaps, Disney could bring back the Citizens of Hollywood we miss so much!
Hey, Tigger!
Roaming characters are a fantastic way for guests to feel like there’s more to do in the parks, and to pull crowds away from long lines to mitigate crowds. While we’re not opposed to seeing more roaming characters in EPCOT and Animal Kingdom as well, especially with the Tropical Americas construction happening in the former Dinoland U.S.A. area, we do feel that Magic Kingdom and DHS would benefit the most (especially since the Disney Jr. meet and greets were just taken away from DHS completely — yikes).
Where to Find All the Disney Character Meet-and-Greets in Walt Disney World
New Land “Announcements” With No New Information
We were SO hoping to get some great new information about the new additions coming to the parks at Destination D23 this past August, but alas, that was not the case. Instead, we got news about how Imagineers are studying specific types of architecture for the new Villains Land…but that was about it. Disney, please, give us SOMETHING!
Architecture inspiration for Villains Land presented at Destination D23 2025
We totally understand that Disney can’t tell us what’s happening every step of the way, but ever since Villains Land was announced back in 2024 with concept art, we’ve basically heard nothing else. We’ve gotten some updated information on Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom, and a good amount of information on Monstropolis in Hollywood Studios. We could use some more on Tropical Americas/Pueblo Esperanza (like what’s the OFFICIAL name, Disney? Is Pueblo Esperanza INSIDE Tropical Americas?), but we’re really gotten nothing else on Villains Land.
Villains Land ©Disney
We think we speak for a lot of Disney fans when we say that if there’s really no update to give, Disney, don’t give us one at all, instead of trying to create something out of nothing that we get all excited for, only to find that it’s actually nothing new.
We Have NEW UPDATES On Magic Kingdom’s Major Expansion
A Smooth Transition into The New and Improved Millennium Falcon
We’re thrilled that there will soon be new adventures to explore on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run in Disney World and Disneyland on May 22nd, 2026, but we’re a little nervous about that timeline, too. At the time of writing, Disney has not announced any closure for this attraction to ready it for the change…so does that mean we’re just going to jump from one adventure into another?
Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Now, this isn’t too hard to believe, as you’re piloting the Millennium Falcon yourself, no matter what, so the movement of the ship isn’t as tied to what’s pre-planned in the attraction, since the guests truly are controlling it, but this is still a BIG change that could result in some pretty big bugs. Those could cause closures, longer wait times, etc., which will severely mess up the flow of the park.
New missions will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. ©Disney
It is totally possible that Disney will start testing these new adventures at night with Cast Members and Imagineers when the park is closed, but even then, we’re still a little stressed. While we really don’t want to see ANOTHER closure in this park in 2026, if it means the new adventures would have a smoother opening, perhaps it would be worth it.
We’ll be with you in the parks EVERY day of 2026 to bring you all the latest Disney World news to keep you updated before your next trip, so stay tuned to DFB!
20 Big Changes Disney Has Already Announced for 2026
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For those of us who miss the full-on Magical Express… let me remind you: First we got luggage tags identifying our resort sent to our home. We checked our bags at our airport. We got off the bird at MCO and headed straight to our Disney bus (no need to wait & fetch our bags from the carousel). Arrive at the resort, go to ur room if available, bags to be delivered to our room later. On leaving, check into our flight (and bags) at our Resort and take the bus to MCO and head to security check in.
When we lost Magical Express, I said that I would be willing to pay for that service. Well… maybe good news. I just took a random survey with “Branded” (a company that handles remote surveys from a variety of clients). This past week I took a survey that gauged interest in aspects of Magical Express. And it was divided between transportation and luggage handling!
I know Disney is experimenting with a return of some of the services at Value Resorts. Maybe an expansion of the service is in the offing?
Jim: I would love having the return of the Magical Express. It was so convenient. Let’s hope.
I completely agree With Jim. Once they did away with magic express, and it’s perks, I realized that since I have to pay for my own transportation, it opens up the opportunity to use the Swan and Dolphin Or any of the fine hotels in the Disney Springs area. We didn’t go to Disney World to be in an amusement park, but to enjoy the luxury of getting on a plane at home and not having to do anything until I got back home plus enjoy fine dining and shows things that they are eliminating to have an amusement park with fast foods. So now I am free to go wherever I want to find a luxury resort to enjoy enjoy a vacation. Or if I want an amusement pack is a lot of choices at a much lower cost.